Researchers found that multiple genes and genetic variants are linked to flight performance in flies, with a central gene called pickpocket 23 regulating interactions. This study highlights the importance of genome-wide association studies in understanding complex traits like flight, which involve numerous genes.
A new statistical model identifies potential superspreader cities by incorporating both connectivity between cities and their varying suitability for infection. The risk of a city becoming a superspreader increases with infection suitability only up to a certain extent, but risk increases indefinitely with increased connectivity.
Lockdowns in the US and Europe led to changes in Google Trends data for family-related searches, including weddings and contraception. Researchers analyzed these trends to better understand the impact of social distancing measures on individual behaviors.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that extreme climate events can increase Aedes aegypti populations in Kenya, but preventative measures may reduce dengue fever cases. The researchers monitored mosquito abundance and dengue infections in a cohort of children.
A study found that infected dogs emit an odor attractive to female sand flies, which transmit Leishmania infantum, the parasite causing visceral leishmaniasis. The researchers suggest parasites manipulate their host's scent to improve transmission opportunities.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that supplementing beef cattle diets with red seaweed can significantly reduce methane emissions without compromising meat quality. The research showed reductions of up to 80% in methane production, and the authors suggest that this could help farmers improve efficiency and reduce costs.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that immersive VR videos of art and natural scenes elicit similar levels of 'the sublime', but with distinct sub-dimensions. Nature-based videos evoked a greater sense of vastness, existential danger, fear, and positive affect compared to art-based videos.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center found that the proportion of gun violence in US TV dramas increased between 2000 and 2018, mirroring real-life gun homicide trends among youths. The study suggests a potential link between media gun violence and real-life gun use for violent purposes.
Climate models suggest that offsetting agricultural emissions through CO2 removal could require substantial price increases, potentially up to 41% for beef, 40% for milk, and 14% for rice. Implementing such measures could be crucial in achieving ambitious climate targets.
Individuals with ADHD earn 17% less than controls, finds study analyzing 1.2 million Swedish high school graduates. Higher rates of comorbid developmental disorders and intellectual disability exacerbate the occupational burden.
Researchers have discovered Stegosaurus teeth from Eastern Siberia that exhibit a high wear and replacement rate, suggesting the dinosaur may have adapted to life in high-latitude environments. The findings could provide insights into the biology and ecology of these fascinating creatures.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals rare honey bee behaviors, including mouth-to-mouth larval feedings, using video recordings from within the hive. The research provides new insights into individual honey bee behavior, revealing complex social interactions and processes previously undocumented.
A large European survey found that women managers report better sleep quality in countries with greater gender empowerment. In contrast, men managers slept better in higher-GDP countries. These findings suggest a link between gender equality and improved sleep quality for women, while economic development benefits men.
The study found that SARS-CoV-2 underwent little significant genetic change in the first year of the pandemic, suggesting a 'generalist' nature and rapid transmission. This is attributed to human population immunity and lack of containment, allowing the virus to spread quickly.
A new study shows that machine-learning strategies can be applied to routinely collected physiological data to provide clues about pain levels in people with sickle cell disease. The researchers found that these vital signs give clues into the patients' reported pain levels, outperforming baseline models.
A comprehensive modeling study reveals that socioeconomic factors synergistically drive health inequities in influenza burden across the US. People of lower socioeconomic status bear a disproportionate burden of infection, with disparities arising from combined social-economic and healthcare factors.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that HPV vaccination for men and women over 26 years has limited health benefits and is not cost-effective. The study used two mathematical models to simulate HPV infection and cervical cancer, as well as six non-cervical HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
A new analysis of US-funded cancer research reveals that online news stories mention significantly fewer studies than other forms of news media. The study found that certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer, receive more coverage relative to mortality rates.
A large-scale chikungunya outbreak in Thailand from 2018-2019 was likely caused by the introduction of a CHIKV strain from South Asia. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlighted the importance of global health surveillance and preparedness against vector-borne diseases.
A systematic review of 65 studies reveals that 1 in 5 healthcare workers experienced depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD during the pandemic. The highest pooled rates were found in Middle East countries.
A new analysis of cases in six US states experiencing surges found that adolescents and young adults are indeed more susceptible to COVID-19. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed data from a total of over 200,000 cases.
A genetic analysis of the ancient massacre in Potočani, Croatia, reveals that 70% of the victims were unrelated, suggesting a large and stable local population. The results indicate that large-scale indiscriminate killing occurred in pre-state societies, challenging previous assumptions about the nature of violence in the past.
Research reveals Scythian populations were diverse and complex, with some living sedentary lives farming millet and raising livestock, challenging traditional nomadic warrior image.
A study of 23 countries finds that trust in these entities predicts willingness to engage in COVID-19 control behaviors. Moral principles of fairness and care also play a crucial role in shaping individual reactions.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that healthcare professionals are equally skilled as university students in identifying false coronavirus-related news stories. The researchers analyzed online news articles and found that both groups performed similarly well in this task.
A new study found that women spent more time on unpaid housework and childcare during the COVID-19 lockdown, while men reduced their working hours. Women reported higher levels of psychological distress, particularly among lone mothers.
Researchers found that SKN-1B controls behaviors like foraging, eating and resting in nematode worms, which may regulate food-sensing and fullness in humans. The study proposes a similar transcription factor, Nrfs, as a potential target for developing drugs controlling overeating.
Researchers analyzed 18,463 Finnish samples to track genetic ancestry from 1923 to 1987. The study found significant changes associated with WWII and urbanization, capturing a detailed history of Finland's population in space and time.
Researchers proposed a novel protocol for pooling COVID-19 tests to monitor spread and detect outbreaks in closed communities. The method accounts for false-negative test results using mathematical models that estimate the risk of diluting positive samples.
Top managers in Fantasy Premier League showcase consistent skillful play, outperforming others with strategic decisions. The study's findings highlight the importance of skill over luck in fantasy football success.
Experiences of childhood neglect are associated with increased risk of housing, financial, and food insecurity. The study found a significant link between childhood neglect and violent arrests in adulthood.
Researchers analyzed hundreds of thousands of geotagged tweets and found a correlation between COVID-19 social distancing messages and reduced local mobility the following day. The study provides evidence for the impact of online discourse on human behavior during the pandemic.
A single human cranium discovered in an Italian cave reveals evidence of ancient funerary treatment and transportation. The skull, dated to the Eneolithic period between 3630-3380 BC, shows signs of lesions indicating removal of soft tissues during a funeral ritual.
Killer whales in the Pacific Northwest are threatened by the decline of Chinook salmon, their primary food source. The study highlights the interconnectedness of these marine species and the need for conservation efforts to protect both predators and prey.
Nationwide analysis reveals adults in rural counties experience higher heart failure-related death rates compared to urban counterparts, with greater increases for younger adults. Socioeconomic factors and clinical risk factors contribute to the urban-rural divide, prompting a need for targeted health and economic policy efforts.
Researchers studied the evolution of trap-jaw ants' latch-spring mechanisms, finding that incremental changes in form led to new functions. The study reveals how these complex biomechanical traits evolved repeatedly across different continents.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that bacterial toxin colibactin is produced in patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs), a potential link to bladder cancer. The researchers detected colibactin in 55 of 223 patient samples and found it to induce DNA damage in bladder cells.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that genetically determined vitamin D levels do not have a large effect on risk of type 1 diabetes among Europeans. The researchers used a Mendelian randomization design to examine the causal effect of vitamin D levels on the disease.
A new, openly available SARS-CoV-2 laboratory research toolkit was published in PLOS Biology. The toolkit includes a 'single plasmid reverse genetics' system allowing researchers to manipulate the coronavirus genome and study individual mutations. This will fast-track investigation of COVID-19 research, including novel variants, drug d...
Researchers identified two new genes linked to Alzheimer's disease, PTPN9 and PCDHA4, in a study of gene expression in the hippocampus. The findings suggest that these genes contribute to the progression of the disease through pathways related to plaque formation and cell death.
Researchers developed a rapid detection method for SARS-CoV-2 using LAMP-based COVID tests that provide results in under an hour. These tests are designed to be used by non-experts in public spaces and workspaces, offering a convenient solution for early detection and response.
Respirator and cloth masks increase difficulties in recognizing speech amidst background noise. Surgical masks have no negative effect on communication., Researchers found face masks negatively affect speech recognition in noisy settings.
Captive chimpanzees display cohesive behaviors such as physical closeness and play when exposed to recorded calls of unknown chimp species. This response indicates an innate ability to form alliances, suggesting a complex social structure in captive chimps.
Dzharatitanis kingi is a newly discovered sauropod dinosaur from Uzbekistan, the first rebbachisaurid species found in Asia. The fossil discovery sheds light on the diversity of sauropod dinosaurs in Asian continents.
Research reveals pirate attacks occur more frequently in areas with high-bycatch fishing and habitat destruction. The correlation persists even when accounting for neighboring coastal conditions.
Research suggests atheists prioritize protecting vulnerable individuals over promoting group cohesion, while theists emphasize group loyalty and authority respect. Atheists align with theists on moral concerns like fairness and epistemically rational beliefs.
A study found that eastern newt populations in the northeastern US, Appalachian Mountains, and southeastern Canada are most vulnerable to Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans infection due to temperature fluctuations. Climate change may exacerbate this risk.
A study found that pre-existing immunity against previous flu infections can protect individuals from airborne transmission of seasonal flu viruses. The researchers used the ferret model and discovered that even short exposure times can lead to efficient transmission, but prior immunity provides a significant barrier to infection.
A simulated online supermarket study found that suggesting healthy food swaps could lower the calories customers buy. The research also explored how social norms and messaging impact the adoption of these swaps.
A cross-disciplinary study combines canine olfaction with other detection methods to improve prostate cancer diagnosis. Dogs showed 71% sensitivity in detecting aggressive prostate cancer from urine samples, and an artificial neural network replicated their performance using spectroscopy data analysis.